Reading Frederick Douglass Together

Event Title: Reading Frederick Douglass Together

Event Date: February 28, 2026

Event Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Event Location: Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church, 323 Locust St. Danvers, MA

Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church and Cherry Hill Chamber Orchestra, in partnership with the North Shore Juneteenth Association, invites the community to a shared reading of Frederick Douglass’s enduring speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” Readings will be interwoven with music created specifically for the event by Danvers based composer, Charles Turner, and performed by the Cherry Hill Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Marshunda Smith. The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and seating reservations are recommended.

During the program, volunteers will take turns reading stanzas from Frederick Douglass’ famous speech. His words about liberty, citizenship and freedom are as relevant today as they were in 1852. Help us keep them alive for generations to come. This gathering will feature refreshments and a facilitated discussion after the reading for reflection & dialogue. Individuals who would like to read can indicate their interest when reserving a seat at:

https://www.simpletix.com/e/read-frederick-douglass-together-tickets-250111

The Reading Frederick Douglass Together program was developed by the Mass Humanities (https://masshumanities.org/ ) This program is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). Additional funding provided by the Marj and Ed Lynn Memorial Fund at NSUU Church. 
About the Organizers: Founded in 2019 by conductor Marshunda Smith and storyteller Ryan Hemphill, the Cherry Hill Chamber Orchestra specializes in engaging music paired with imaginative, playful narratives. Nestled in the woods along the Danvers Rail Trail, Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church is a dynamic, creative congregation committed to social, racial and environmental justice. North Shore Juneteenth Association, founded by Nicole McClain, uses education, storytelling, and community programming to confront racism, elevate Black voices, and inspire social change rooted in truth, equity, and cultural pride.